Hotel review: Banyan Tree Lang Co, Vietnam

Retreat into the serenity of one of Vietnam's most loved seaside resorts.

Does the reality live up to the hype of this storied property?

The lowdown

Five-star seclusion that balances high-end luxury with a wellness emphasis.

The high life at Banyan Tree Lang Co.

Location 

An hour north of Da Nang, the Banyan Tree occupies a pristine stretch of sand and is bordered by the sprawling and more affordable Angsana Lan Co.

Pool side at Banyan Tree Lang Co.

Set the scene

There are certain hotel brands spoken of by travel journalists in a hushed reverence: Aman, Raffles, Belmond and Banyan Tree. Its level of prestige is founded on sublime integration into location, private pools as standard and a level of service so perceptive, it feels as if your villa butler is living rent free in the part of your brain that needs another cocktail stat. The Lang Co outpost overdelivered on all these fronts. Lusher than Dean Martin at an open bar and more manicured than Dolly Parton’s fingernails, this property is divided into four primary areas: mountainside villas, the pool and beach, lagoon villas and a central hub leading off to restaurants and the spa. Perhaps the most striking feature of the property is the kayakable canal that runs through the middle of complete with a replica of the Japanese bridge in Hoi An. And just wait until dusk when the hundred of lanterns bedecking both flicker into life. All in all, it feels as if you’re in a microcosm village comprised of the best the nation has to offer.

Banyan Tree by night.

The room

While the eye is immediately drawn to the one-, two and three-bedroom pool villas overlooking the ocean from the leafy ridge line, it’s the Lagoon Pool villas that are the real find. Each fronts a tranquil lake with looming misty peaks in the background and yes, you have your own pool and deck. It’s unlike any room I’ve ever stayed in terms of views and you still get the soundtrack of waves pounding the beach at your back. Each villa comes with a personal host who makes sure everything is just so, the incense is changed nightly to capture a local ingredient, the bed is the same size as a stage for a jazz quartet, you get a delicious new treat with the turn down service of an evening and the villa is ensconced within its own mini compound for privacy. Oh and did we mention the bath and pillow menus? Hell to the yes.

Lagoon villa at the Banyan Tree Lang Co.

Food and drinks

On one of the myriad hills that dot the property, you will find Saffron, the signature Thai eatery that’s a hallmark of the brand. This is your fanciest option. For cocktails - try the Imperial Courtyard with Bacardi light, homemade cucumber syrup, lychee juice, lime juice - or afternoon tea, head to Thu Quan while the beachside Azura can sort you with burgers and pizzas and is ideal for families. Every five-star hotel, especially if it is in a fairly isolated location, needs a diner that segues between breakfast, lunch and dinner.  For Banyan Tree Lang Co it is the Water Court which tips the non la reed hat to Vietnamese cuisine. It shines brightest at breakfast. There are glossy pastries, a slab of honeycomb from which to scrape your drizzle, a help-yourself Bloody Mary bar, mimosas on tap, chocolate fountains for the kids, a phalanx of made-to-order stations for omelettes, noodles and banh mi, bircher mueslis in elegant martini glasses and a production line of pancakes. The coffee was also spot on with the option to try the local salt and egg varieties. Breakfast is included in your rate and if you plan it right you won’t want to eat again until dinner. It should also be noted that the dining facilities at the next door at the Angsana are also open to Banyan Tree guests.  

Drink up at Thu Quan.

The extras

If golf is your thing, the Nick Faldo designed Laguna Golf Lang Co 18-hole championship is on your doorstep. There’s also jet skiing, ATV safaris, SUPs, tennis, archery, bungee trampolines, kayaking and cooking classes. The spa - with its series of self-contain pavilions - is a must with its blend of Indonesian, Thai, Chinese and Indian healing traditions. Try Shirodhara where warmed oil flows onto the forehead as you receive a head massage.

Tee off at Laguna Lang Co.

What’s hot

The Stay For Good program, one aspect of which involves heading to a local primary school to help with interactive English lessons. Since 2014, over 1000 students have taken part. There is also an Elderly Care Program helping senior locals with basic amenities and company.

What’s not:

As stunning as the location is, you can’t nip out the gates for a cheap local meal or market. There’s not much around.

The verdict: 9/10

Some hotels coast on their rep, some build on it. Banyan Tree Lang Co is the latter and every day brings a new delight.

Originally published as Hotel review: Banyan Tree Lang Co, Vietnam